The Team
Who We Are
Kenny Nero, Jr.
Head Instructor
Kenny Nero is the founder and Head Instructor of Bowie Jiu-Jitsu Academy. His formal Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey began in 2002 under Professor Maguilla. He continued his training at Capital MMA from 2015 to 2018 and later immersed himself in the Gracie University system, where he earned his purple belt. Today, Kenny is a brown belt under the Cat5BJJ banner, training with Professors Anthony Nelson and Alberto Da Silva. He remains dedicated to providing safe, practical, and effective self-defense training.
Mark Miller
Instructor
Mark is Bowie Jiu-Jitsu Academy's first Assistant Instructor. Mark is a purple belt under Ryron and Rener Gracie of Gracie University. Mark and Kenny met at the Annapolis Certified Training Center and have been friends ever since. Mark is also a Lead Gracie Survival Tactics (GST) Certified Instructor and at times travels throughout the country to train law enforcement.
Izumi Kawakami
Instructor
Izumi is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Blue Belt. Izumi has been training since 2016 and started her Jiu-Jitsu journey at Central Oahu Jiu-Jitsu in Wahiawa, Hawaii. She has been certified to teach self defense since 2017. In 2023, Izumi and her family relocated to Maryland and joined Bowie Jiu-Jitsu Academy. She is an assistant instructor, with a passion for the women's self-defense program, DefendHer.
When Izumi is not on the mat, she is spending time with her husband and 3 kids or serving at their church, Cornerstone in Bowie.
Jon Spiers
Instructor
Jon is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Purple Belt. He has been playing on the mat since 2021 and started his journey at Bowie Jiu-Jitsu Academy. He has been teaching here since the summer of 2023.
He is a retired Sailor and Mustang, and leads a training department that teaches military communication. Jon prioritizes fitness with yoga and strength training.
Donrell "DJ" Johnson
Instructor
With decades of experience spanning Karate, Muay Thai, and private security defensive tactics, Coach DJ brings a highly practical, reality-based approach to the academy. As a purple belt and Fit to Fight® certified coach, he blends technical precision with real-world application. DJ’s mission is to create dynamic, growth-focused training that empowers students to be self-aware and capable in any environment.
Anthony Nelson
Instructor
Anthony Nelson is a 1st Degree BJJ Black Belt under Professor Alberto Da Silva and owner of Tidal Wave Jiu-Jitsu. With a global training background and experience instructing elite military units—including US and British Special Forces—Anthony brings a high-level technical perspective to our team. At Bowie Jiu-Jitsu Academy, he provides mentorship to our instructors and ensures the curriculum remains world-class. He is dedicated to making Jiu-Jitsu accessible and empowering for military members, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
